Definitions for addictionəˈdɪk ʃən

Here are all the possible meanings and translations of the word addiction.

Princeton's WordNet(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

addiction, dependence, dependance, dependency, habituation(noun)

being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)

addiction(noun)

an abnormally strong craving

addiction(noun)

(Roman law) a formal award by a magistrate of a thing or person to another person (as the award of a debtor to his creditor); a surrender to a master

"under Roman law addiction was the justification for slavery"

Wiktionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

addiction(Noun)

The state of being addicted; devotion; inclination.

addiction(Noun)

A habit or practice that damages, jeopardizes or shortens one's life but when ceased causes trauma.

addiction(Noun)

A pathological relationship to mood altering experience that has life damaging consequences.

His addiction was to courses vain. Shakespeare.

Origin: From ; compare addictio

Webster Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

Addiction(noun)

the state of being addicted; devotion; inclination

Origin: [Cf. L. addictio an adjudging.]

Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

Addiction

Addiction is the continued use of a mood altering substance or behavior despite adverse consequences, or a neurological impairment leading to such behaviors.
Addictions can include, but are not limited to, drug abuse, exercise addiction, food addiction, sexual addiction, computer addiction, and gambling. Classic hallmarks of addiction include impaired control over substances or behavior, preoccupation with substance or behavior, continued use despite consequences, and denial. Habits and patterns associated with addiction are typically characterized by immediate gratification, coupled with delayed deleterious effects.
Physiological dependence occurs when the body has to adjust to the substance by incorporating the substance into its 'normal' functioning. This state creates the conditions of tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance is the process by which the body continually adapts to the substance and requires increasingly larger amounts to achieve the original effects. Withdrawal refers to physical and psychological symptoms experienced when reducing or discontinuing a substance that the body has become dependent on. Symptoms of withdrawal generally include but are not limited to anxiety, irritability, intense cravings for the substance, nausea, hallucinations, headaches, cold sweats, and tremors.